To terminate a contract you signed for goods or services, you need to put it in writing. Most companies with whom you have a contractual relationship require this degree of formality as an added layer of protection for you, the consumer. So carefully read the fine print in your contract. Then write a brief and concise letter to terminate the agreement.

Read the terms of your contract carefully. Call customer service for clarification if there's anything you don't understand. Follow the directions for canceling the contract. They should clearly indicate the name and address of the recipient.

Use your personal stationery or create a sheet by placing your name at the top of the page, centered and in a large -- 16- or 18-point -- font. Place your contact information underneath your name.

Direct your letter to the appropriate recipient. Terminating a contract is considered a “formal” exercise, so include the formal salutation of “Mr.” or “Ms.”

Open your letter with a succinct and direct statement of purpose: “I am writing to notify you of my desire to terminate my contract with (name the company), effective immediately.”

Refer to the terms to add specificity to your request to terminate the contract. You may say, for example, that, “As you may know, I am required to provide 30 days’ notice before the termination will take effect. This formal request is intended to serve this purpose.”

Offer to answer any questions the company may have. Although your phone number is featured at the top of the letter, supply it again, along with the best times of day to contact you.

Thank the recipient for her time and “prompt attention to this matter.” Close your letter with the formal sign off “Sincerely.” Add four lines of white space and type your full name. Sign your full name above your typed name. Save a copy of this letter for your records.

Send your letter by certified mail. A receipt will prove that you mailed the letter in case a company rep claims she did not receive it.

Tip

For your own peace of mind, check on the status of your termination request. Some companies are lax about expediting such requests. Your attention and persistence may send the message to close the matter promptly.

The New St. Martin’s Handbook; Andrea Lunsford and Robert Connors; 1999.

About the Author

With education, health care and small business marketing as her core interests, M.T. Wroblewski has penned pieces for Woman's Day, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal and many newspapers and magazines. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University.